Minnesota Orchestra begins Bruckner exploration

by Brian Newhouse, Minnesota Public Radio

The massive, stately symphonies of Anton Bruckner have attracted a devoted following among listeners and musicians who love them for their meditative, spiritual nature. The Minnesota Orchestra gives Twin Cities audiences the opportunity to experience Bruckner as it performs all ten symphonies by the 19th-century Austrian composer over the next several seasons.

The orchestra's Bruckner Project begins this week with performances of the Symphony in D minor, "Die Nullte" ("Number Zero").

In a conversation with Brian Newhouse, Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska says Bruckner's symphonies are particularly well suited to Friday night's venue, the Cathedral of St. Paul.